Learning 2.0

Ever sense leaving class on Tuesday, I have been thinking about this blog and what I would change about the education system. I think the biggest thing to realize is that change IS needed. The system was set up many years ago, and sense then it hasn't changed much. The world around us has changed and continues to change constantly. The eduction system needs to hop on this boat of change and roll with it. 

Kids are learning in different ways, mostly using technology. My friend is currently in the education program here at Dixie State and they are given an iPad to use for the semester so they can learn how to use and be able to teach with it. Technology is becoming a tool to learn. This goes to show that there are other ways to learn besides standardized testing. I myself don't mind tests. They don't give me anxiety unless I am completely unprepared. I don't get too nervous and don't mind taking tests. However, these tests we are all required to take don't necessarily show how smart or how much people are actually learning. I have an example from my own life. Last semester I was studying to take the Kaplan, which is a test you have to take here at Dixie to apply for the Nursing Program. I bought a book to help me study, actually studied and then of course took the test. In order to apply you have to get a 74% on the test. I sadly got a 73%. I was one percent off and therefore I couldn't apply. This was frustrating because to me, a test shouldn't say whether or not I am smart or good enough to apply. The ACT also has this same concept for me. Tests aren't always the best way to say what level people are at. 

It is easy to realize that the education system needs to change. How though? I think we need to rid some of the old ways and come up with some new. Incorporate technology in the way we teach and learn. I think we have slowly already started to do this, but we can do so even more. I don't know if I can think of a specific way but I definitely think there is room for change and improvement. Just as times have changed sense they set up the eduction system, it is also time for the education system to change.